Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course faced aging soils, rising soil pH, increased disease pressure and damaging nematode levels in its subtropical environment. General Manager and Director of Agronomy Andrew Johnston partnered with Profile® Products to rehabilitate the greens using a drill and fill program with Profile Porous Ceramic (PPC) Greens Grade™ impregnated with carbon, plus Aqua-pHix® to decrease soil pH, salts and bicarbonates. This solution modified the soil profile for long-term performance, strengthened plants and root systems, reduced N-P-K and nematicide applications, and supported strong play demand after the course reopened.
Key Points
- Aging greens showed rising soil pH, increased disease pressure and nematode levels often above 500, causing plant damage.
- Drill and fill regimen used 12-inch holes filled with PPC Greens Grade impregnated with carbon to amend the soil profile for the next 20 years, improving drainage, rooting, nutrient retention and water management.
- Aqua-pHix was applied to safely and quickly decrease soil pH, salts and bicarbonates, helping extend the longevity of the renovation.
- Results included rehabilitated soil, greens improving within weeks, a 50 percent reduction in N-P-K applications, over 95 percent reduction in nematicide applications and sold-out tee times with a wait list after reopening.
